They arrived at the cave an hour later. Once the group of five were inside, Lobamog raised his hands and created an illusion of a solid wall over the entrance. They all sat down and Lucline pulled her her enchanted stone to cool the air in the cave around them.They sat there, all lost in thought as they hoped not to be discovered.
"We need a lead or even a clue as to where they took Tira." Lucline said, turning her attention to Lobamog. "Had Minrre gotten anywhere in her research?"
The orc shook his head. "I'm sorry, she was handling the investigation personally. She declined to share the details with me."
"That's unusual, isn't it? You're her assistant, why would she keep you out of the loop?" Rasina looked over at her quickly. "Add the fact they found where she was staying so quickly."
"You were saying something about that before the frost bomb came through the window.You're not wrong. It's odd they were able to find us so swiftly. Could they have been listening in on our projections?"
Lobamog shook his head. "No way. That's just not possible."
"Then, what is the other option?" Lucline asked quietly. Everyone was silent for a long moment, no one wanting to put the thought into words. Finally, Rasina ended it.
"There must be some explanation. Maybe they threatened her in some way? If the Brotherhood was in the watch, perhaps they used that to trick her. We shouldn't jump to any conclusions."
Rasina was right, still, it was too convenient. A thought occurred to her.
"Lobamog, did Minrre know about this cave?"
"Aye, she was the one that told me about it in case I ever needed to hide. You know how the watch loves to pin things on Orcs. Some rivalries just don't end."
"Check the walls. I suspect there is a secret room with supplies. Maybe Minrre is even waiting for us behind it. It's early in the morning, any sane person would be in bed."
The search the walls but Lucline was not surprised that it was Talsma and her excellent night vision that found the switch. The wall slid open to reveal a room beyond. No one waited there but it was a lot bigger than they had suspected. Another door lead into a room with several beds and equipment.
"You all, go to sleep." Lucline suggested as she approached a desk covered in paperwork. "I just had some. I'll see what I can find from the papers left here."
Rasina planted a kiss on her cheek before collapsing into one of the beds. Talsma curled up in one with Vasfer on a rug nearby. Lobamog came over beside her.
"I'm not that tired yet. Allow me to assist you, Lucline. When Minrre gone, you are acting Branch Leader for the Society. It is my pleasure to aid your endeavor."
She smiled at him. "Just promise me you'll get some rest when you are tired. I think we are all going to need to be at our best for what is coming. You start with the left side of the desk. I'll take the right and we'll meet in the middle and compare notes."
He nodded and they got to work.
Elder-Scrolls*
They learned right away Minrre had not been here in some time. The Brotherhood had moved in and was using this place as a supply point for missions in Sentinel. What's more, they learned of a treasure hidden in a vault in this very cave. After the paperwork was done, Lobamog had finally gone to bed. Lucline rose and headed for this vault.
The door was made from Dwemer metal. She placed her hand on it, about to try and inspect the mechanics. The door started to groan and slid open on it's own. She blinked. Perhaps Minrre had keyed the door in for her as well? She believed this was confirmed when the various arcane turrets and automatic dwemer crossbows stood down as she approached a shelf. There stilling on a satin cushion was a single black soul gem. She felt her hand moving on it's own and grab the crystal. A voice spoke in her head.
"At last, you have come for me, Lucline Dufrey. My name is Vanus Galerion, and we have much work to do."
A/N: Cliffhanger time! See you tomorrow for the next part :3.